Republican Party of Armenia

 Prime Minister Hovik Abrahamyan attended an intercollegiate student conference, referred to as “Armenia’s economic system; innovation, development, implementation,” to be held this April 17-19 in Tsakhkadzor.

Welcoming the participants, the Prime Minister said that today the targeted use of youth’s mental and physical capabilities is an important prerequisite for sustainable development of the State and society. Therefore, the Government of the Republic of Armenia has declared that ensuring youth’s active involvement in civil society and welfare affairs are deemed as a strategic direction of social policy.

“We are implementing a number of programs to deal with youth employment and social issues, in particular, access to the mortgage system served through projects such as affordable housing program for young scientists. Incentives are set up for startup businesses in information technology. However, the problems vary, and there is still a lot to do in this area. I am confident that along with the country’s economic growth we will be able to significantly improve the situation,” the Premier said.

According to the head of government, employment is today our most serious problem. The Prime Minister expressed the hope that one way to reduce unemployment us the enhancement of professional skills and youth’s involvement in entrepreneurial activities. He added that mindful of the importance of innovation for economic development, the Government has embarked upon the path of building a knowledge-based economy; concrete steps are being taken, and the results are already visible.

“In this context, it is nice to think that the youth and students ate mindful of Armenia’s economic progress whose innovative approaches, reasonable suggestions and valuable studies can have practical significance for the economy,” he said.

Hovik Abrahamyan considered it commendable that the conference is paying special attention to the Armenian Genocide recognition process.

The conference agenda features a special section, where the Genocide-hit Armenian people’s material losses and compensation opportunities will be discussed. According to Hovik Abrahamyan, this is not only an evidence of youth’s participation in Genocide Centennial commemorations, but it also constitutes a call on the youth of the world to contribute to the prevention of similar crimes.

The conference is held within the framework of the 85th anniversary of the founding of the Armenian State Economics University.

“The university has a special place among Armenia’s higher education institutions and as the Chairman of the Board, I have had several occasions to be proud of its achievements,” Hovik Abrahamyan said and congratulated the faculty and the students of the University on the jubilee, wishing them every success and new academic achievements.

The Prime Minister also spoke about the prospects for economic development. “I hope and believe that the programs that are being implemented and progress in the second half of 2015 will give results. Although there are many predictions that we will have an economic downturn, given the tensions in the region, the relations between Russia and the West, as well as the sanctions applied against Russia, I am confident of achieving economic growth in 2015,” he said.

The Prime Minister said that no one could have projected that the Russian ruble would devaluate in 2015, which had a negative impact on Armenia’s economy. The Premier said that despite this, 1.8 percent economic growth was stated in January and February and noted that the first quarter of 2015 would be marked by a positive shift.

“All the relevant statistics will be published in the coming days, and I expect a 2.5-3% economic growth. I am confident that our joint efforts will lead positive results in 2015,” the Prime Minister said, adding that critical forecasts alert the Government, “We still have much to do, and I appreciate the support of the youth,” the head of government.